Written by

The Tennessean

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee said Thursday that people who choose one of its policies on HealthCare.gov will have until Jan. 15 to get their premiums paid for coverage beginning with the new year.

However, people still have to choose a plan by Monday for the coverage to begin by Jan. 1.

BlueCross made its announcement the day after the national association that represents health insurers said its members had voluntarily agreed to accept premium payments as late as Jan. 10.

Originally, insurance companies had to receive the first premium before the first of the year.

Technical problems with HealthCare.gov, the website for the federally run Health Insurance marketplace, have caused sign-up delays.

“Many people pay their premiums by check through the mail, and with postal volume high this time of year, we felt it important to give our marketplace customers a cushion with a Jan. 15 deadline,” said Kelly Paulk, director of product strategy for BlueCross.

BlueCross, which is the largest health insurer in the state, is one of four companies offering medical plans in Tennessee on the federal Marketplace. The other three are Cigna Health and Life Insurance Co., Community Health Alliance and Humana Insurance Co.

Patients who receive pharmacy or medical bills between Jan. 1 and Jan. 15 can later submit them for payment, she said.

While the deadline is looming for health coverage beginning Jan. 1, the open enrollment period lasts until March 31.